Chelsea’s front three dazzle as they edge out Fulham in derby thriller

This was a crash course for Xabi Alonso in life at Chelsea. His new side thrilled in possession at Craven Cottage. The front three of João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers combined to devastating effect and there was even an assist for the new £52m centre-back, Maxence Lacroix.

At times the only issue was the two No 10s both laying claim to the ice cold celebration. Palmer had a point to prove after missing out on England’s World Cup squad and Rogers scored on his debut after his £117m move from Aston Villa. Yet victory in Alonso’s first competitive game as Chelsea’s manager was far from straightforward. He saw that he needs a better goalkeeper than Robert Sánchez and will worry about his side’s lack of smarts. Fulham, who will hope this bright start under Alvaro Arbeloa shows there is life after Marco Silva, were unfortunate not to rescue a point.

There were tactical conundrums for Alonso to solve. Chelsea were without Moisés Caicedo in midfield, where there was a rare start for Roméo Lavia alongside Reece James, while Marco Palestra was unable to make his debut because of a minor knock meant there was also an adjustment on the flanks.

However, while Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato seemed cautious picks as the wing-backs in the 3-4-2-1 system Alonso used when winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, the early concern belonged to Fulham. They have also had a summer of change, Silva departing for Benfica, and it is hard to work out Arbeloa’s level given his managerial experience is limited to his spell in charge of Real Madrid after Alonso’s firing last season.

Josh King scores Fulham’s first goal. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

The nerves deepened when Chelsea led after 31 seconds. Fulham’s defensive shape was wrong when a clearance came back at them and Palmer exacted the punishment. The playmaker looked refreshed after a first summer off in four years and he was alert when the ball reached him, a deft flick exposing the hole left by Jorge Cuenca in the middle and sending João Pedro through to build on his scorching pre-season form by lifting a calm dink over Bernd Leno.

The positive for Arbeloa is that Fulham responded by playing their football, rattling the visitors. Old failings flared, bookings for Levi Colwill and Lavia inside the first 12 minutes a reminder of Chelsea’s rashness. Alonso saw little control and he was provided with immediate evidence that an upgrade is required in goal.

Sánchez was shaky. He let a backpass from Josh Acheampong run for a corner and his handling was unconvincing. Josh King was close with one shot and the teenager’s luck was in when he had another go, a low drive from a tight angle exposing Sánchez at his near post and somehow squirming under the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Fulham have looked to lower the age of their squad this summer. King is a homegrown gem and was aided by two former Madrid youngsters. César Palacios looked smooth in midfield and there was a chance for Gonzalo García as Fulham pressed after the equaliser, only for Acheampong to deny the striker with a vital block.

Cole Palmer scores Chelsea’s third goal. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Chelsea realised they were in a game. Lavia tested Leno. Palmer flickered again, drifting down the right and crossing for João Pedro to volley wide.

Fulham took too many risks. They did not have a handle on Palmer, although the assist went to Lacroix when Chelsea regained their lead. The centre-back made an ambitious overlapping run to reach a pass from Palmer, then stormed past a weak challenge, drew Leno and pulled the ball back for Rogers to make it 2-1.

Operating as the left 10, Rogers was offering selfless work off the ball and was combining with his new team-mates. Chelsea’s attack is bound to cause damage this season. They were at it again at the start of the second half, although Fulham’s mess of a high line helped. João Pedro was just inside his own half when he burst down the left and freed Palmer, who took the Brazilian’s pass and scored with typical cheek, deceiving Leno by pretending to look for a cutback before rolling the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Chelsea’s problem was at the other end. Fulham had renewed hope when Colwill misjudged a long ball in the 54th minute, Sánchez spilled Timothy Castagne’s shot and García headed in the rebound.

Seeking order, Alonso made changes. A cramping Lavia made way for the Enzo Fernández, playing the pantomime villain after his role in England’s demise at the World Cup. Every Fernández touch was booed, although with Manchester City circling the bigger issue with the Argentina midfielder is whether he will play for Chelsea again.

Alonso’s rebuild is far from finished. Fulham threatened an equaliser on three occasions. It was a good start for Chelsea but they will have to be better.